I'm very excited to be returning to LA Opera for their 2018-2019 season! I'll be opening the season with Don Carlo starring Placido Domingo, and closing the season with my art deco production of La Traviata directed by Marta Domingo.

From the first day of taping down the rehearsal space, to costumes, stagehands constructing the set, dancers, singers, to the buzz and excitement of opening night, photographer J Kat documented the behind the scenes experience of the making of La Traviata.

Enthusiastic, creative and energetic, Katarzyna Woronowicz, Kat for short, is a generous collaborator!

Born in Warsaw, Poland, Kat immigrated to the United States in 1983. Clearly grateful to be doing what she loves, her infectious joie de vivre is capturing the moment in a unique and fresh way. Provoking thought. Inciting a grin. Moving the heart. I owe a big THANK YOU to Kat for the warm memories and rare photos of me at work!

Visit Jkatphoto to explore the full photo essay and see more of Kat's insightful work.

I get chills anticipating my return to the beautiful world of OPERA in the spring. I love the scale, the drama and the glamour! I return to LA Opera in February, joining Director Marta Domingo for Tales of Hoffman.

Thrilled to announce that Placido Domingo will conduct.

In April I make my debut at San Diego Opera with my original production of La Traviata.